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Juneteenth BBQ Meatballs Recipe
Juneteenth BBQ Meatballs bring the perfect blend of tradition and flavor to your celebration table. These tender, smoky meatballs glazed in sweet BBQ sauce capture the essence of freedom and community that Juneteenth represents. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or contributing to a potluck, this recipe delivers crowd-pleasing results every time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect party food that feeds a crowd without breaking the budget – one batch serves 12 people generously
- Make-ahead friendly recipe that actually tastes better when the flavors meld overnight in the fridge
- Kid-approved sweet and savory flavor profile that appeals to all ages at your celebration
- Hands-off cooking method lets you focus on other dishes while these bake to perfection
- Versatile serving options work as appetizers with toothpicks or main dish over rice
Why This Juneteenth BBQ Meatballs Recipe Works
The secret lies in using oats instead of breadcrumbs. This smart swap creates incredibly moist meatballs that hold together beautifully. The oats absorb the evaporated milk, creating a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Our homemade BBQ glaze strikes the perfect balance between sweet and smoky. Brown sugar caramelizes during baking, while liquid smoke adds authentic barbecue flavor without firing up the grill. The combination of ketchup and spices creates a glossy coating that clings to every meatball.
Baking instead of frying makes this recipe foolproof. You’ll get evenly cooked meatballs without constant monitoring or oil splatters. Plus, the oven method allows the sauce to slowly penetrate the meat for maximum flavor.
What You’ll Need for Juneteenth BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 6½ fluid ounces evaporated milk
- ¾ cup chopped onion, divided
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the BBQ glaze:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring
- ¼ teaspoon minced garlic
Tools
- Medium-sized baking dish (9×13 inch works perfectly)
- Two mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife for chopping onions
- Instant-read thermometer
How to Make Juneteenth BBQ Meatballs
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with cooking spray or oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mix the meatball base: Combine ground beef, oats, evaporated milk, ½ cup chopped onion, beaten egg, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1½ inch balls. You should get about 24-30 meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer in your prepared baking dish, leaving small spaces between each one.
- Prepare the glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, remaining ¼ cup onion, liquid smoke, and minced garlic until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over all the meatballs.
- Bake to perfection: Place the dish in your preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for about 1 hour, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball reads at least 160°F (72°C).
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture – gentle handling keeps meatballs tender instead of tough and dense
- Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop for uniformly sized meatballs that cook evenly
- Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before rolling to allow oats to fully absorb the milk
- Baste meatballs with sauce halfway through cooking for extra flavor penetration and glossy finish
- Double the recipe and freeze half before adding sauce for quick weeknight dinners later
Serving and Storage Tips for Juneteenth BBQ Meatballs
Serving Tips
These versatile meatballs shine in multiple serving styles. For appetizers, provide toothpicks and let guests enjoy them straight from a warming dish. As a main course, serve over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
Consider setting up a meatball bar with various accompaniments. Offer sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, and shredded cheese for guests to customize their plates. Mini slider buns transform these into irresistible meatball sandwiches.
Keep meatballs warm in a slow cooker on low heat during parties. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce gets too thick. This method maintains the perfect serving temperature for hours.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Juneteenth BBQ Meatballs
Using lean ground beef creates dry, crumbly meatballs. Stick with 80/20 ground beef for the ideal fat content. The fat keeps meatballs moist and flavorful throughout the long baking time.
Rolling meatballs too tightly compresses the meat, resulting in dense, heavy texture. Form them gently, just enough to hold together. Think of shaping rather than packing.
Skipping the thermometer risks food safety. Always verify meatballs reach 160°F internal temperature. Color alone doesn’t guarantee doneness, especially with the dark BBQ sauce coating.
You Must Know
- Fresh onions can be substituted with 2 tablespoons onion powder if needed – adjust to taste preference
- These meatballs taste even better the next day as flavors meld – perfect make-ahead dish
- Liquid smoke is essential for authentic BBQ flavor – find it near BBQ sauces in most grocery stores
- Quick-cooking oats work better than old-fashioned oats which remain too chewy in the final dish
Suggestions for Juneteenth BBQ Meatballs
Experiment with different meat combinations for unique flavors. Try mixing ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Ground pork adds richness that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.
Spice lovers can amp up the heat by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar adds tangy complexity that balances the sweetness.
For special occasions, try mini versions using a melon baller. These bite-sized appetizers cook faster and look elegant on party platters. Adjust cooking time to 35-40 minutes for smaller meatballs.
Transform leftovers into new meals. Slice cold meatballs for sandwiches, chop them for pizza toppings, or crumble over nachos. The possibilities extend far beyond the initial serving.
FAQs:
Yes! Prepare and bake meatballs up to 2 days ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator and reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Smoked paprika makes an excellent substitute. Use 1 teaspoon smoked paprika plus 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar to replicate the smoky-tangy flavor profile.
Let the oat mixture rest 5 minutes before shaping. This allows proper absorption. Also, avoid overhandling the meat and ensure your egg is well beaten before adding.
Absolutely! Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Classic sides include coleslaw, cornbread, mac and cheese, or black-eyed peas. These traditional accompaniments create an authentic Juneteenth feast.
Conclusion
These Juneteenth BBQ Meatballs capture the spirit of celebration in every bite. Simple ingredients transform into something special through careful preparation and that irresistible homemade glaze. Whether you’re continuing family traditions or starting new ones, this recipe belongs at your Juneteenth table.
Remember, great food brings people together. These meatballs serve as more than just sustenance – they’re a delicious way to honor history while creating new memories. Fire up that oven and let the aroma of BBQ glazed meatballs fill your kitchen with warmth and welcome.
Ready for more crowd-pleasing recipes? Try our Ultimate Chicken Casserole or explore other celebration-worthy dishes. For those watching carbs, our Keto Cloud Cake makes a perfect dessert. Happy cooking and happy Juneteenth!
More Easy Dinner Recipes:
- Juneteenth Collard Greens Recipe – Best Southern Style
- Marry Me Chicken: Indulge in Creamy, Rich Goodness & Romance
- Low Carb Dinner: Healthy and Delicious Recipes for Every Night
- Quick Family Dinner: Easy and Delicious Meals for Busy Weeknights
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📖 Recipe Card
Juneteenth BBQ Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (24-30 meatballs) 1x
Description
Tender, smoky meatballs glazed in sweet BBQ sauce perfect for Juneteenth celebrations. This crowd-pleasing recipe serves 12 and features an easy bake method.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 6½ fluid ounces evaporated milk
- ¾ cup chopped onion, divided
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring
- ¼ teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
- Mix the meatball base: Combine ground beef, oats, evaporated milk, ½ cup chopped onion, beaten egg, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1½ inch balls. You should get about 24-30 meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer in your prepared baking dish, leaving small spaces between each one.
- Prepare the glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, remaining ¼ cup onion, liquid smoke, and minced garlic until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over all the meatballs.
- Bake to perfection: Place the dish in your preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for about 1 hour, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball reads at least 160°F (72°C).
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture – gentle handling keeps meatballs tender instead of tough and dense
- Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop for uniformly sized meatballs that cook evenly
- Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before rolling to allow oats to fully absorb the milk
- Baste meatballs with sauce halfway through cooking for extra flavor penetration and glossy finish
- Double the recipe and freeze half before adding sauce for quick weeknight dinners later
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course/Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 meatballs
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: BBQ meatballs recipe, Juneteenth party food, homemade meatballs, sweet BBQ glaze, baked meatballs, ground beef appetizers, celebration recipes, make-ahead meatballs
